The problem for the oil producing countries is that before they could always count on the inefficient vehicles coming back in large numbers, but with the advent of Li-Ion batters, feul cells and reasonable nio-feuls (not the ones that use food-stock) we’ll see a sustained drop in demand for gasoline that will eventually see it drop below the $1.00 mark again. Also, let us drill that 46 billion gallons in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota and actually let us build refineries for that oil and you’ll see dependence on those oil-producing nations drop sooner rather than later (within 10 years). Hell, just getting new refineries built would allow us to import more oil from friendly countries such as Mexico and Canada which would have positive economic effects for all of us here in North America.

“DUH!” on the truck sales slipping – who’da thunk it?

What I find interesting is the sales of Smart ForTwos. I’m still scratching my head over to the usefulness of that particular vehicle. Let’s get this straight – room for only two, $15K (more than the cost of an entry level Korean vehicle), only 35MPG and it requires premium fuel. Anyone buying that car is doing so as a social statement, or to be able to park in tight places. Otherwise, it holds no advantage over a decent subcompact… particularly one that runs regular fuel.